Klopp: Gomez and Trent form eases pressure on Clyne

The form of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez has been a huge help to Jürgen Klopp in the absence of Nathaniel Clyne at right-back.

Clyne has yet to feature for Liverpool this season due to an ongoing back complaint, and the manager revealed on Friday that the England international has suffered a setback in his rehabilitation.

Chances have therefore been given to Alexander-Arnold and Gomez, who have clocked up eight and 11 appearances respectively and each impressed the manager with their calmness and assurance in the position.

“Joe and Trent have done really well,” said Klopp.

“They have improved a lot, both of them in different games. That’s why we don’t have to put pressure on [Clyne] in this situation.

“It’s fantastic and good for them that they don’t each have to play all the games because it would not be possible. Maybe for Joe a little more than Trent, but even for Joe it’s good he doesn’t have to play all the games like this.

“A normal rhythm is good for a footballer with one game a week. So far the way they have performed in this position is a big help for all of us.”

Klopp also expanded on the update during his pre-match press conference regarding a frustrating development in Clyne’s recovery.

“You cannot rush it. He’s here,” said the boss.

“He was in a good way, running with high intensity, stuff like this. But the muscle showed a little reaction. That was not an injury, and usually with a healthy and fit player you wouldn’t even think about it.

“But in his case because it was a little sign again from the back, we took him out and it’s a few steps back again.”

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